Final pitch: Is it time for Springer if Maxwell lands on the DL?

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We can sit here and rehash an ugly night at the ballgame, but do we really want to talk about a 13-5 loss when we can look ahead to the bright future? I’m going to focus on top outfield prospect George Springer’s magical night at the Texas League All-Star Game.

Considering that medical staffs are more aware of the dangers of concussions, it would be surprising if Justin Maxwell doesn’t land on the 15-day disabled list.

The NFL and MLS have mandatory concussion protocols, and I have to believe baseball takes head injuries seriously too. If Maxwell lands on the DL, perhaps it’s time to give Springer a call up to the majors.

While the Astros were being crushed by the Cardinals at Minute Maid Park, Springer was tearing it up at the Class AA Texas League All-Star Game. He was 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBIs to earn MVP honors after leading the South All-Stars to a 6-0 victory.

As if that weren’t enough of a showcase for the Class AA Corpus Christi Hooks, David Martinez, Jake Buchanan and Mike Folynewicz each threw a scoreless inning in the All-Star Game.

Springer was promoted to Class AAA Oklahoma City on Sunday night. Most franchises believe that the top talent gets plucked from Class AA, but Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow has been clear in his belief that players can benefit from playing at Class AAA. I can see both sides of the argument.

After 78 games this season and with the Astros headed toward their third consecutive 100-loss season, the Astros organization might benefit from showcasing gems like Springer before Houston sports fans turn their focus to the Texans later this summer.

Speaking of positive news, rookie Marc Krauss got his first major league hit with a pinch double in the ninth inning.

Brett Wallace snapped an 0-for-24 slump with a two-run triple.

The Astros’ pitching staff also combined to strike out 14 Cardinals, so the “glass half-full” folks can focus on that while the negative folks can focus on St. Louis’ 13 runs and 15 hits.

Matt Dominguez also can be happy about breaking up Jake Westbrook’s no-hit bid with a leadoff home run in the sixth.

“I got into a hitter’s count and I knew he was going to come with either a fastball or a sinker,” Dominguez said. “It got up in the zone, and I put a good swing on it.”